I understand today was a blow but we lost to Liverpool at the top of their game, much like Arsenal last season even if we played different to then, so well played Liverpool.
What struck me was how Klopp won the tactical battle so convincingly almost all over the pitch, Milner you would have thought was a weakness against Mahrez but he never really was with Mahrez being at least doubled up on again but also Milner playing far more forward putting extra pressure on Simpson than we might have imagined.
They also neutralised Drinkwater from playing his game meaning we didn't play well, this was pretty crucial and when Drinkwater did get it he generally rushed his pass.
Now I know Kante is missed but we need to get over him, if we can't replace him we need to play slightly differently to compensate as it also shows the weakness up in defence with Morgan and Huth being exposed too easily.
Going back to the great escape season when Pearson realised the issue and went 352 which gave us the right balance between defence and attack once he utilised the attacking side effectively, Ranieri comes in and goes back to 442 and we ship goals again until Kante gets up to speed and the full backs are changed making us more solid so now we need to change again but how.
With Simpson looking like it might be a hamstring I'd suggest now is the time to go back to 352 with Allbrighton as the right wing back imho and getting back to more like his normal self rather than struggling in left mid, this also solidifies the defence up again while changing it up and confusing the opposition from the Leicester they know last season.
I also believe us fans have to get a bit of perspective, we aren't going to win the League again this year and have to get used to the fact some teams are just better than us, again I know we don't look like our normal selves yet but there are lots of factors at work, I think the point Mike made of the mental strains of winning the League and changes in mentality have a big effect on us combined with the way other teams now set up against us.
Did next Wednesday affect them today, almost certainly to some point, everyone wants to play in it but don't want to get injured like Simpson did, it's got to have an affect, there might be a bit of complacency from some players who believe they are a shoe in to play.
What I'm trying to say is, lets give them some time to settle down, Ranieri to get them going again and just enjoy the ride getting behind them to the full.
Lets Keep the Faith, UTF and be Fearless!
Perspective
posted on 11/9/16
comment by The future is now -FREE GAZA- (U9765)
posted 24 minutes ago
I think a lot depends on how quickly Mendy settles In for Kante . May be CR might have to play an extra midfielder against the bigger teams who have five in the middle.
Hull game was always going to be difficult 9with all the pressure on Leicester , after the season they just had . Should have won against Arsenal, comfortably beat Swansea and got turned over at Anfield with it being Liverpools first game at home against the champions . Liverpool did that to Arsenal at the Emirates, so I don't think Leicester should pannic at the back of that result.
Definitely see Leicester in the top ten if not challenging for Europe.
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Agree with this.
posted on 11/9/16
Liverpool look a really good attacking unit this season to be fair. 4 at Arsenal and we were fortunate to not concede more than 1 in our draw.
It may be you just caught them at the wrong time. Not sure who this Amartey is you had playing, but perhaps Mendy will give you a bit more. It may be Mahrez is the one who has to make way too in a 442 (as mad as that sounds) for a player who will give you better shape when defending. Save him for the CL games.
posted on 11/9/16
Amartey is a development player really, he has lots of potential but being asked to do a big job in central midfield that he's probably not quite ready for. Mendy looks better agreed
posted on 11/9/16
TB on the nail my friend. Early days yet we can't play like we did anymore without Kante so give it time.
Don't Panic.
posted on 11/9/16
comment by Blackstarr (U12353)
posted 36 minutes ago
Amartey is a development player really, he has lots of potential but being asked to do a big job in central midfield that he's probably not quite ready for. Mendy looks better agreed
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Is Mendy a more defensive player in your view?
A pair in a 442 can be effective as long as both players are pretty good on the ball, but also do their share of the non-glamorous stuff too. Drinkwater certainly does all of that.
Personally I think it will probably click in to place if Mendy settles in well.
posted on 11/9/16
HRH - Mendy is similar to Drinkwater. Ball playing and can put a tackle in. But I wouldn't call him defensive like Kante was.
I thought he did adapt to the role well against Arsenal though, but others thought differently. Hopefully he'll come in and make it his own.
That said, we do need ways of creating chances against teams sitting deep. Maybe Slimani in the box with Albrighton throwing crosses in is the answer!
posted on 11/9/16
If you want a bit of perspective, Spurs had 3pts at this stage last season, and it ended up fine
A couple of wins and all is forgotten
posted on 12/9/16
Glad we have Burnley at home next, no disrespect to them but we should be beating those. Chelsea and United after
posted on 12/9/16
Your Honour - I fear you may be disappointed. We'll have just come back from a midweek CL match for the first time in our history. Which means we'll be playing a spirited and determined Burnley side who will doubtless fight for every ball with either some players tired from a midweek fixture abroad, half a reserve side, or both.
posted on 12/9/16
Yeah I would say Burnley is exactly who we don't want next. Someone like Palace or Sunderland would have been ideal.
If we get 3 points out of the next 9 then I wouldn't be surprised